You could argue that there are no two filmmakers working at higher levels, artistically, at this moment, than Denis Villeneuve and Chloe Zhao. And interestingly, both are debuting huge tentpole blockbusters this year with “Dune” and “Eternals,” respectively. And in a new discussion between the filmmakers (via Harpers Bazaar), the two filmmakers talk about the process of making these massive films, as Villeneuve is curious how Zhao’s style will mix with the Marvel Studios machine.
Zhao brought up “Eternals,” her upcoming Marvel Studios film coming in November, by mentioning to Villeneuve how he influenced her pitch to the Disney-owned company.
“You know, when I went to pitch ‘Eternals,’ I had stills from your films as references,” Zhao told Villeneuve. “I’m naturally drawn to filmmakers who have a very strong hand in world-building. When I watch your films, even though they’re of different genres, from ‘Sicario‘ to ‘Arrival‘ to ‘Prisoners‘ and then ‘Blade Runner 2049,’ you managed to build such visceral worlds I can feel and almost touch.”
And while it’s no secret why Marvel Studios would be interested in hiring Zhao to direct a feature, as she is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers working today, recently picking up a number of Oscars for her film, “Nomadland,” the biggest question surrounding “Eternals” is how the director’s style will work within the confines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is a question that Villeneuve is curious to find out the answer to, as well.
“I’m your biggest fan. I think it’s genius that Marvel approached you because you’re the radical opposite of it aesthetically,” Villeneuve said. “When I saw ‘The Rider‘ for the first time, I was blown away. I wrote a note to you—an artistic love letter. What touched me was your insane skill to be able to approach life. Life is so afraid of the camera. When I saw ‘The Rider,’ I cried because I was like, ‘She did it. She was able to go in that zone that I thought was not possible.’ I wonder how you can invite life in a Marvel movie.”
As has been recently revealed, Villeneuve is no fan of the current state of Marvel Studios superhero films, criticizing the creativity involved in making those films. So, when he talks about wondering how Zhao can utilize her talents in the big machine, it sounds like not so much of a compliment but more of a concern that she might get swallowed up. Of course, we’ll have to see how that plays out when “Eternals” hits theaters on November 5. Villeneuve’s “Dune” arrives in theaters and HBO Max on October 22.